By Wilson Adekumola
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has felicitated the Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration to mark the end of the 30-day Ramadan fasting season, saying that it was his joy to have created a level playing field for aspirants regardless of party affiliation in the 2023 general elections.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of 2023 general elections noting that it “will go down on record as one of the proudest achievements of my administration in addition to our neutrality in the conduct of the elections.”
Buhari, in a statement through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Thursday night, said “the outcomes of the elections were in line with my pledge to leave a legacy of free and fair elections.
“I’m proud that I have created a level playing field for all contestants regardless of party affiliation in order to produce a fair outcome for all.”
The President added, “Free and fair elections are the only principles that give credibility to our democracy because the subversion of the will of the people undermines democracy itself.”
“The elections were so transparent that even members of my own party were routed and unseated. At no point did I interfere with the process in order to give an unfair advantage to anyone,” the President added.
Buhari also congratulated Muslims on successfully completion of Ramadan fast noting, it was tasking spiritual exercise.
He then prayed to Allah to reward the Muslims for their sacrifices during the fasting season, advising, “we shouldn’t forget the important lessons of Ramadan which include improving our bond with the underprivileged and poor members of society.”
He noted that, “abstention from food and drinks during the fasting period had made it possible for us to appreciate the situation of those who go without eating every day.”
